How This Process Works

1. Programs and Services:
   
   Energy Assistance – Provides financial assistance to households at or below the federal poverty guidelines to offset a household’s energy burden.
   Must reside in Adams, Grant, and/or Upper Yakima Counties
   Timeframe – Winter Season Enrollment begins on September 16, 2021
   Rental Assistance – Provides financial assistance to households at or below the counties’ Average Median Income (AMI) guidelines to offset a household’s rent burden.
   Must reside in Adams, Grant, and Yakima Counties
   Timeframe – Ongoing until funds are expended
   Utility Assistance – Provides financial assistance to households at or below the counties’ Average Median Income (AMI) guidelines to offset a household’s utility burden.
   Must reside in Adams, Grant, and Yakima Counties
   Timeframe – Ongoing until funds are expended
   *TRAP Utility Assistance Funds will prioritize households who: 1. Income is at or below 50% AMI, guidelines are posted at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2021/select_Geography.odn 2. With one or more individuals who are unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days before their application date.
   Mortgage Assistance – Provides financial assistance to households at or below the counties’ Average Median Income (AMI) guidelines to offset a household’s mortgage burden.
   Must reside in Grant and Adams County
   Timeframe – Ongoing until funds are expended
   Housing Counseling
   Must reside in Washington State
   Timeframe – Ongoing
   
   
   
2. Application Process:
   
   The application process for Energy, Rental and Utility Assistance is below:
   Step 1: You will complete web-form to choose appointment location, date, and time – available appointment dates are shown in black. All appointments are conducted over the phone. Accommodations can be made based on individual needs.
   Step 2: Appointment confirmation receipt is issued for your record. A hardcopy can be printed, a screenshot of the appointment can be taken, or you can write the information down, etc.
   Step 3: During the phone intake, you will be notified of the information/documents required to complete your application, ways to submit information, and the forms will be mailed out for your review and signature.
   Step 4: Once you have received, reviewed, and signed the application materials and collected the required documentation, you will either mail or drop off the information to the office closest to your area.
   Step 5: All application materials and documents received by OIC are date stamped and reviewed for accuracy and completeness. If your application is missing information, a follow up letter will be mailed to the mailing address on file. When all materials are submitted and the application is deemed completed, it will be processed for payment.
   *Note – Applications for Rental Assistance in Yakima County are approved through the Yakima County Lottery System.
   

Questions or Problems

1. If you have any further questions or need assistance with setting up an appointment, please call 509-452-7145